Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after He had washed their feet. In order that they not forget the example of humility that He had given them, the disciples were told that happiness is not found in merely knowing these things but in doing them.
Let us look at four things the child of God can do to ensure having a happier new year.
I. BELIEVE
A dynamic faith will enable us to defeat discouragement and empower us to live victoriously in Christ Jesus. Our faith in His power to supply every need that we will have in this new year will give us every reason to rejoice. Let us rejoice in the following evidences of His power to bless His children.
His power to save: “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25
His power to strengthen: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
His power to protect:
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
His power to provide: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” Psalms 23:1 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
II. BEHAVE
As so often said: "What we do speaks so loud that others cannot hear what we say." For this reason, the Word of God places great emphasis on the believer living a godly and holy life. Our behavior should exemplify Christ in the following areas.
In our daily life: “let your good deeds shine out” Matthew 5:16a
In our witness before the world:
“…for all to see…” Matthew 5:16b
In our church fellowship:
“so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Timothy 3:15
III. BEWARE
To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. The Word of God gives us ample warning to beware of certain and real dangers that confront us in our daily Christian life.Of the deception of men:
”Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.”
Of the trap of the devil:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8
Of your own self: "Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15
IV. BELONG
It is impossible for anyone to be genuinely happy without a sense of "belonging". Well has it been said that "a man is not an island unto himself."
Every child of God can rejoice in the blessing of belonging to Christ and His church.
To Christ: “because you belong to Christ…” Mark 9:41
“God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.” I Corinthians 7:23
To the church:
“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
